Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Former Officer Michael Johnson Still Wanted for Rape


Michael L. Johnson can be seen on the America's Most Wanted homepage, and in his YouTube martial arts, "cobrafast" videos, but he has not been found by local, state and federal officials.

Johnson, 40, has been on the lam since Dec. 9, when he was supposed to turn himself in on two new rape charges filed by York City Police.

As of today, Johnson was still a fugitive. Authorities set up a tip line to help them locate Johnson, a former York City Police officer and Penn Township commissioner, last week.

A federal arrest warrant was also filed last week as authorities continued searching for the rape suspect.

On Dec. 1, Johnson, who used to patrol York's streets as an officer and who is a current Penn Township official, was charged with rape, kidnapping and related charges in Baltimore.

Police have alleged Johnson told three women he was a police officer. He raped two York women after they got into his van for a money-for-sex transaction, according to court documents. The woman in Baltimore was raped after she was handcuffed in a van Johnson was driving, police said.

Johnson was first charged with rape in Maryland, and his Pennsylvania charges were filed this week.

To add more resources to the search, a federal unlawful flight to avoid prosecution warrant for Johnson's arrest has been issued. The warrant allows authorities to bring in federal investigators to help look for Johnson.

Authorities also set up a tip line to help police find Johnson. He was last seen leaving his Penn Township home Tuesday morning.

Those with information on Johnson's whereabouts are asked to call the tip line or York County 911.

Law enforcement in both Pennsylvania and Maryland say they continue to follow leads in trying to locate Johnson.

York City Police Commissioner Mark Whitman said Friday his officers are aggressively pursuing leads. He declined further comment.

State troopers in Maryland have been on alert watching the neighborhoods where Johnson's family lives and where his ex-wife lives in New Windsor, Carroll County, said Sgt. Andrew Eways.

Troopers have also been monitoring Francis Scott Key High School where Johnson's two children from his first marriage attend, he said.


HAVE YOU SEEN HIM?

Michael L. Johnson Jr. was last seen driving a blue Chevy Cobalt sedan. The car has a Pennsylvania Masonic Lodge license plate, number MB11785.

If you see Johnson, "do not approach on your own," said York City Police Lt. Tim Utley. Instead, call police at 846-1234 or 911.

Those with information can also call a tip line set up for the case at 1-866-437-9847.

More Information: http://www.amw.com/fugitives/case.cfm?id=61925

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